Friday, August 31, 2007

Sensory Descrptions -- Pick One

I'm still working on the Keepers of the Flames copy edits, and looking forward to getting back to Heart Fate. I'm sure some of what was cut and tightened was all for the better.

But I do like descriptions, for instance, from Heart Fate:

"Maybe we'll host a holiday party and see who comes, only our allies, I s’pose, an’ I don’t want to socialize with them, either.” His voice slurred again and he nodded in weary determination. “This place is a godsend.”

Ok, so I have the voice slurring and the nod. I do this OFTEN. So, of course, when I had to cut Keepers of the Flame, it was "pick one." Occasionally I allowed two (or three, perhaps he'd rub his jaw, but usually I just chose one to cut verbage. I think it lessens the story, but it DOES cut words, and maybe I'm too descriptive anyway.

Thursday, August 30, 2007

The Sign of the Power -- Il Segno Del Potere -- Fantaluna

Cool, eh?

And, uh, time to wince again. Forgot that Europeans may very well recognize the Nazi baton (I meant them to use SOMETHING like it, not the thing itself, just showing what a recent military baton looked like). Wonder if I'll hear about it. Haven't so far.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

TONIGHT TATTERED COVER and Keeper of the Flames Copy Edits

First, you all, remember that tonight is the Writer of the Year Panel at Tattered Cover Lo-Do, 7:30 I will be playing Vanna White with the different give-aways.Next, got the copy edits of Keepers of the Flame. Not too bad. I've glanced through it. One whole scene with Koz was cut, so it will probably go up on my website after Keepers of the Flame comes out. A lot of little cuts here and there that I can mostly live with even though a couple of favorite lines.

A couple of the small cuts had set-ups in them that when you got to the pay-off you would have gone "What? When was that mentioned?" Which means that the editor wasn't seeing the payoffs, which means I must need to be uber-aware.

And there is a scene that is cut that I think is essential, so I've tagged it to see how the editor handled the also-essential pay-off scene. If it isn't handled well, the previous one goes back. Or a portion of it, or I rewrite a portion. Also a scene that is cut that I need to mention the consequences in at least a line or two.

So, as my mentor said when I whined at her, this is not going to be an easy edit job, though will probably be easier than MY edit last month. I'm about 1/4 way through it, and I'll just stay in Lladrana and work on the proposal for Singer For A World when this is done. Too bad because I was really zooming on Heart Fate.

Well, it's morning and I should trudge down to the dining room table where the ms. is spread out and hit it.

May you enjoy your work today. Hope to see those of you who are local toninight!Robin

Tuesday, August 28, 2007

The Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Writer of the Year Panel will take place TOMORROW NIGHT at Tattered Cover Lo-Do (lower downtown). The panelists, all mystery writers: C.J. Box (winner), Maggie Sefton and Jeff Shelby, will speak about "The Mysteries of Publishing." The moderator will be Carol Berg, last year's Writer of the Year.

We are giving away: breakfast/lunch with Jessica Faust (agent) and Sangeeta Mehta (editor). Also, gift certificates from Tattered Cover, a 1st chapter critique by C. J. Box, a Free conference registration, and books of the panelists.

Sunday, August 26, 2007

Can't get any better than this! (Ok, if Nora herself gave me a cover quote, or J.K. Rowling, but this is pretty d**n good).

Nora Roberts read-alikes

Fans of Roberts's more recent Romantic Fantasy, the Circle Trilogy, might also appreciate Robin D. Owens. Her Summoning series features a magic-based society where talents are pooled to fight evil; however, the leaders must also summon a character from contemporary Earth to defend their world when the danger becomes too threatening. With action both in the magical world and in contemporary society, this series offers many similarities to Roberts — strong characters, suspenseful action, interesting worlds, and the frantic drive to deflect the impending doom. Guardian of Honor is the first.

Different Directions

I was going along in a scene today when the story took a different direction and even as I was writing I was thinking "Now this seems to make Tinne's life easier instead of harder, on the other hand this aspect of the story is mirroring what is happening with Lahsin, it could give them more areas of sympathy." Finally, of course, since the scene was going well I played it out and am now not inclined to change it.

And this change could add dimensions to Tinne's character, let me explore it a little more (you hear the rationalizations?).

So, right now, I am trusting my gut, which I believe a writer should do.

Saturday, August 25, 2007

Writing and Adversity

I went looking at lamps yesterday and saw nothing that looked like my old one, so now I know I have to find something new.

AND I gave myself permission to skip writing yesterday, but when I sat down to eat dinner a scene came into my head, and when that happens I write. So I did. I think it was the first humerous scene I've written in many days and perhaps in the book. The book is sad at the beginning, and when it isn't sad, it's intense. So I'll be trusting my readers here.

Of course my mentor, when reading the final draft will probably let me know whether I go on too long with the intensity.

I got about 10 hours of sleep and am feeling good. Today is critique group day and it looks as if I may be the only one bringing pages, so I'm contemplating printing out 2 chapters. One is already printed out.

Now a bit of breakfast and a hurried bath so I can leave on time.

Oh, and the slightest slice of sunshine hit my office window yesterday and stayed for about an hour, so I know the seasons, they are changing.

Friday, August 24, 2007

Good News Bad News

The good news is that it wasn't the house wiring.

The bad news is the fan is toast. Motor unsalvageable. Wire shows smoke marks etc. Definitely some sort of surge. Probably will fall under my deductible, unless I buy a new fancy ceiling/light fan. I did love that fan.

The other good news is that Marcus from the electric co. came in and worked so fast he was out of here in under 15 minutes, that's good because when I buy the fan, since the electric co. is literally 1/2 a block away, they will charge me only one $80.00 call. He was FAST.

He also tested the 9V battery in the remote by putting it to his tongue which had my eyes popping wide. I asked if it hurt and he said a little but he was used to it "because he's a professional." =:o

So no overhead light or fan. May get warm, but no problem, have window fan and bedside light.

Now I'm going to eat. I think I ate at 3pm yesterday and I had a couple of pieces of toast this am. Them I'm going to bathe and sleep. I was almost asleep when Marcus came.

This weekend (or maybe tonight) I am shopping for fan and light. Monday will be putting in fan and light. Marcus will definitely say on the ticket that fan toasting was due to electrical storm/surge whatever as insurance rep instructed me no less than three times.

I feel better. Now I'm going to haul fan out to the garbage and dump it. I saved the glass which I also really liked.

So is the lot of a homeowner, and the general mantra, "it could have been worse."Pray that it won't. But I've had my 3s, Mistral to the vet, coming out of the vet to see the flat tire, having someone crack my tail light on Sunday, replacing tires, and now this. Still have to take care of the tail light.

Oh, and I had a cheery call with my accountant today, too, asking if I knew somewhere she could check for more liberal deductions specifically for writers. The retreat/research trip to the mountains should count as deductions. Of course, that's next year...Yes, I'm filing my taxes in October again, but I HAVE started working on them.

Over - Reaction

Well, like any writer, my imagination ran away with me (see below), but day-am it was really, really close wherever it was. I don't see any holes in the roof. The funny thing on the roof was a little pipe.

Thinking about it, of course if there'd been a short or whatever, the power would be interrupted and go out, not stay on. So probably just a power surge in the office outlet that made the smell and maybe blew the lamp. Who knows? I'll drag out the big ladder soon (if I recall where I put it), and look into the attic, or buy a big ladder.

Nerves are still shaky since I got about 2 hours of sleep, and woke up cold again, 'cause I only slept with sheets and a throw downstairs.

So I guess I'll cancel my insurance claim(!), but leave the call in to the electrician. My outside breaker box has broken a hinge and doesn't look weatherproof. Looks like I might have lost some moulding/trim around the house. That has to go back on, and I was hoping to put a new roof off for a while.

Anyway, I am fine, the cats are fine, the house is so-so.

May the wheel of fortune stay steady for you today.Robin

Previous post 1:42 am.

Pretty damn sure. Nasty smell of fried circuits. Went outside. Roof not on fire. Oddly office is next to bedroom and except for a lamp seems ok. Maybe that outlet gone. Might test.

Shaking too hard to type. Chandlelier fan in bedroom works on remote. Came on all lights, won't go off, nor will the fan. Think thats where we were hit. Had just gone to bed. Something on roof looks funny. Attic looks ok (can't get up there, but still).

Shaking. What a bang! What a flash! The more I think about it, the more scared I get. Lights out at end of block.Not the highest building in block, should not have been me.

Summer's End & Butt in the Chair

I knew when I came back from my tiny retreat that the house would not be hot again for the rest of the year, but today, ah, it was a precious summer's day.

Writing was difficult. I didn't sleep well, I got too cold, woke up several times in the night but didn't stay awake enough to get up and do anything about it. Then I misplaced my glasses. I have two old pairs, but even with the most recent, I can't see the computer monitor to type (I'm about 2-3 feet away from the monitor).

THEN I'd misplaced some research and couldn't find the website to download again. I love Mozilla, but to be honest I REALLY like the history function in IE because it lists by date and I can usually pinpoint the date I'm doing certain research. It was on August 13. Edible Forest Gardening. Also known as permaculture. (I think, it's late/early).

Anyway, then it was time to get the new tires on my car, and I walked around Cherry Creek Mall and even bought a couple of things. Then finally back and I put the butt in the chair and struggled but I made my word count. I get a sticker a day in my engagement calendar if I make wordcount (new reward).

Oh, I looked up a cover contest and Sorceress took second, EXCELLENT! Even with a more yellow-green tint to the pic. Luna was well-represented.

So a very desultory day, writing wise, but spiritually fulfilling and laid back.

Sensory Description -- Pick One

I made some progress on Heart Fate (when I started thinking about the cat). Anyway, I try to do good descriptions, such as:

"Maybe we'll host a holiday party and see who comes, only our allies, I s’pose, an’ I don’t want to socialize with them, either.” His voice slurred again and he nodded in weary determination. “This place is a godsend.”

Ok, so I have the voice slurring and the nod. I do this OFTEN. So, of course, when I had to cut Keepers of the Flame, it was "pick one." Occasionally I allowed two (or three, perhaps he'd rub his jaw, but usually I just chose one to cut verbage. I think it lessens the story, but it DOES cut words, and maybe I'm too descriptive anyway.

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Strange Directions

Well, I started on a scene that is just a little out of sequence. I need to write a few pages to work up to it. I think what I should be working on, the last chronological pages, is a section that is too d**n long, I'm cramming too much into it. But I need to at least finish it to see if I should revise.

But, once I was working on the bits of scenes I wrote yesterday (paragraphs for one scene, just in two places, that is I wrote of Lahsin entering the conservatory in FirstGrove (got to revise the map to attach the conservatory to the Residence). And Lahsin having a conversation with the Residence.

Which sparked thought and a scene this morning -- two scenes, that are definitely not in the synopsis and might not take the main plot in a different direction, but DOES add a subplot that wasn't anticipated.

I'm hoping I get to keep it.

Anyway, part of the wonder of writing is having ideas surprise you. And I can see why this subplot will work. In every book, particularly the Heart books with different aspects of Flair, I must show my hero and heroine to be competent and contributing members of society. I think that's a Robin rule and probably (aside from literary) a FICTION rule. What I wrote today shows Lahsin growing, overcoming her problems. So it needs to be there or something like it needs to be there.

Now I usually write before breakfast and I'm starving and I have to take care of a flat tire, not to mention setting up a mechanic appt to fix the back light where some yo-yo hit me (2 different places since I have warranties on my tires). So real life intrudes and my eyes really are tired from the work. I made my wordcount and more, but don't know that I'll get back to writing today.

Monday, August 20, 2007

First Grove Garden Map -- Working

This is what I have so far. I forget how to use Dungeon Designer from one session to the next. I'd planned on being expert by now, but so it goes.

I need to add grape arbor and benches by the pool (pool itself coming shortly and took me a full day to get right earlier this year, finally cut the shape out and pasted it on my monitor and drew around it). Also need to be added are a pavilion and swimming pool(s).

Affirmation On Change

Saturday, August 18, 2007

Advice Please

I've saved a cat as an animal companion for the last of the Luna series, currently titled Singer For A World. The cat, Ensou, begins telepathically speaking very quickly in the book, as soon as Jikata sets foot on Lladrana.

My critique group seems to think that this might not be a good idea, mixing the cat in the Luna books as well as using them so extensively in the Heart books.

So I said I'd ask folks (and I'll be sending to my nearly moribund chat group).

Friday, August 17, 2007

The Cat

Speaking of cats, the last of my original bunch had problems yesterday. I think she jumped from the credenza to my chair (she's fat, Samba from Heart Thief), and I've been careful to put the chair close to the credenza, but maybe I forgot. She didn't want dinner, she wouldn't come downstairs, she limped.

She's much better this morning, but still downstairs. I'll take her in to see Dr. Leach and Marilyn today. She hates them. As a formerly diabetic cat, she's had to go in daily for a while and get her blood tested. Last time I took her in (soon after Diva died), I wanted to grocery shop and left her alone in her crate at the vet's instead of putting her in the car and that was a mistake. She thought she was being left or punished or something and didn't speak to me for days.

The cat in Heart Fate is, as I said, going to be Ilexa. I've decided she's going to be elegant and deadly. This is an off-shoot from my mentor's idea of a "hit-cat, lemme go rip they're faces off, boos." But Mentor didn't know Ilexa was a she so I have to save the hit cat for later. Maybe introduce him as a rambunctious kitten of Ilexa's and Zanth's that annoys Ilexa. Don't know who he might end up with now, but I really like the idea.

I would never have thought of a "hit cat" which is why you need others to bounce your ideas off of. I think my mentor has been watching reruns of the Sopranos again. (She loved that show and considered removing the channel when it was done, and she LOVED the ending).

That's all for today, and I'm feeling better now. I was a little depressed for some reason. I probably need to pack up the laptop and get out to a library or Common Grounds -- I still haven't figured out why I can't connect to a secure network so Common Ground's excellent WiFi will be lost on me, all to the good.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

What happened to the cat?

I'm about 150 pages into Heart Fate and there is no cat. There is a grumpy dog and maybe 3 lines of telepathic dialogue between heroine and dog.

I have a very lowering feeling that I'd better go back and put in a cat. I don't think my readers can go, say, 100 pages without a Fam. I've got wonderful hooks that I don't want a cat messing up, so I'll look and see where I can insert a few paragraphs. Cat will be Ilexa (mentioned in HeartMate) a Holly hunting cat (they raise hunting cats -- HeartMate and Heart Duel). I believe Ilexa will be friend and mentor at this portion of the book. Undemanding because Tinne is very tortured. Later she can be snotty or a trickster. Just occurred to me that any scene with grumpy, abused dog and trickster cat may be interesting.

But the next upcoming scene can be between Tinne and Ilexa a few pages at least, or more than a paragraph or two, and she will get an assignment.

That's all for now. May you be aware of your readers' expectations today.Robin

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Tools

I spent most of yesterday loading Wordperfect 6x-3. It loaded fine, but then there was the customizing of the toolbars, the tutorial (basic, but still some stuff I didn't know), a look at the other office features -- the calendar maker etc.

The new program has an automatic wordcount on the application bar (which is below), but I am usually working in other documents, not brand new documents so I'd have to add or subtract my wordcount whatever, besides I'm distracted enough with wordcount as it is.

So that's that. It took me hours to mess with the buttons because I'd do 1 or 3 or 4 and forget to save the toolbar and had to redo it again.

Time for bed, but it's dark and quiet and cool and I'm rethinking working in the day...I've always liked the night.

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Fumbling

I'm back to fumbling, being slow. So the question is why? It's hot down here, that's one. The house and regular type author duties is another reason. Being connected to the net..the hotel did have free internet but I didn't get my dell to work. I think it needed a password and the "password" page didn't come up (though, of course I tried and I looked around the help screen on my computer, just as well).

The house DOES overwhelm me. I'm not sure why I needed so much space when I bought it, but there it is. (Just deleted a whine, thank me).

I SHOULD journal.

But instead I think I'll go downstairs and write. I do like this story.

Monday, August 13, 2007

Rhythm of Books -- And Covers Again

I am reading my Mentor's latest book, Navajo Echoes, and enjoying it. The print is HUGE. I like reading a book that starts with a plane crash that everyone staggers away from.

Since I'm getting back to the Heart books, there's something nice about knowing when something should happen at what page, since I'm on #7 and they all turn out 500 pages. Keepers of the Flame, with the two heroines, the two love stories and part of what was once Seamistress, was way too long and was hard for me to gauge.

My mentor, with these Intrigues, has it down to a science, when the turning points should happen (she says 3rd turning point is usually when the villain is revealed), when to introduce new suspects, how much time she has for a chase scene or a love scene or to wrap it up -- or spend more on description after she reaches the end and has a little extra time.

The cover is lovely but:

The hero is Navajo. He is a Bodyguard and expert in ELECTRONIC SECURITY SYSTEMS.

There is no horse in the book.There is no rifle in the book.There is no man on a horse with a rifle in the book.

Saturday, August 11, 2007

Away Time

The time away was very good, though I didn't get as much done as I wanted to on Heart Fate, catching up with all the beginning scenes I've written, I did quite a bit.

And the trip did what it was expected to do, got me out of my non-routine and away somewhere else and jump started my writing again. I also got some really good research out of it.

I arrived Wednesday to find a glitch in my hotel, apparently the room they said they had online wasn't available. So I upgraded. The place was ok, but I've found that I REALLY want some sort of view. All I had was a skylight that showed the top of an aspen and the sky -- which was interesting, blue and white and gray and rainy every day -- but I needed more to look at while I was writing. So I won't go back to that place.

Anyway, Wednesday I arrived a little early for check-in and got in, unpacked and generally laid around and read a couple of books. Did some collaging in my journal, too. Went into town to scope it out and it looks like it would do fine transplanted to Celta.

Thursday I worked hard on my pages, first transferring the revisions to the laptop then worked on the hard copy. I missed my new word count by 50 words or so.

Friday was BANG! Woke up with, of all things, a couple of scenes for Singer for the World. Since one can be included in the proposal due next month, I went ahead and gave myself permission to write. Three hours later I had 12 pages of at least 3 scenes for the book. THEN I made about 6 pages for Heart Fate, also did a little collage and worked on the hard copy.

Today I did transitions between scenes, realized I had the old stuff and had written a transition and melded them together. I'm still not at the end of my hard copy pages, so I'll do that after this.

EVERY DAY I went out to lunch and sometimes dinner and drove around afterwards. I watched the sunsets. I did long, long drives in the mountains and took notes for research. Didn't go to the spa.

Last night I wanted company but there were no kindred souls, and nothing good on TV. I had a Nancy Drew computer mystery game and loaded it and played a little.

What I learned.

Going away is good. Get a room with a view. Take more pics and notes for research.Take breaks and do nature walks, drives.Consider going with a friend, or attending other writing retreats (I have my eye on one in November and can go to the family place in Seal Beach in February or so).Do this 3 times a year.Hire a cat sitter even for a few days.

Wednesday, August 08, 2007

Last Blog Until Saturday

Of course I didn't get as much done as I wanted to today for the short trip tomorrow (or later today). I got some contest entries AND, the high point of my day, contest results of the last one I judged. I was higher than the other judges, as usual, but not so high that we triggered a third read. You like to know who scores high and low so you don't put such people together. I know there were a couple of people I'd be assigned with that our tastes were so different we always triggered a third read.

Anyway, the high point: the contest chair said that my critiques were kind, and an art form in themselves. Had me smiling for the rest of the day.

So that was the writing part of the day...not much. I proofed my new bio for Luna, and an ad in Romance Sells for Keepers of the Flame. I researched some old theaters.

I'm tired, and I didn't clean as much as I wanted, so I'll say good night/morning to you.

May your creativity make you smile today.Robin (who just spelled her name wrong).

Tuesday, August 07, 2007

Gafiate, Gaf-i-ate, Gaf-FEE-ate

That's sf/f fanspeak for Get Away From It All. One can "cocoon" at home, or even gafiate at home, but one can also gafiate away from home.

I'm going a short ways from home into a small mountain town to do some research. I've just paid. It doesn't look as if the hotel has wi-fi or internet. Don't know if anything else does either.

That means I probably won't post here THURSDAY OR FRIDAY. I'll be back Saturday afternoon. Yes, I know, withdrawal for all of us.

Just me and the computer and hard copy and books. There's a spa in the town so I may wander over for a scrub or a wrap. I don't know why but I love wraps. Or a mud bath. Gonna check that out today or tomorrow. One of my heroines will be coming in from the wild and will definitely want a spa experience.

A little shaky. The money isn't big, and being away two and a half days shouldn't harm the cats, but still...

Monday, August 06, 2007

Thinking Time

I ran into a problem with Heart Fate (and I'm SO glad that title won't change), and instead of buckling down and fixing it immediately, I had the luxury (or took the time), to let it sit in the back of my mind. That was wonderful! Haven't been able to do that with Keepers of the Flame.

I have the solution, now have to go back and rewrite, but it should add more in, and I don't think it will take more than three paragraphs.

Saturday, August 04, 2007

Mighty warriors sworn to protect humanity, the shape-shifters known as The Shadowmen move between two worlds. Now their dark leader has exiled himself from the spirit world, opening the door to the forces of chaos...and to the power of love.

Half wolf, half man, Aragon has abandoned his brethren to repay a debt of honor; he is sworn to kill a rogue Blood Hunter, though exacting revenge will doom him to a ghostly existence trapped between two worlds. But when a mortal woman unexpectedly calls him to her side, the heat of her soft flesh arouses a hunger in him that threatens to complicate his mission.

Dr. Annette Batista, a dedicated healer, is determined to find her missing sister. With the amulet found at the site of her sister's disappearance, she unwittingly summons a shadowy warrior. She wonders if she can trust this powerful male named Aragon, who claims he can vanquish her sister's captor -- the very monster he's vowed to destroy. Or is Annette blinded by her shocking passion for the most alluring, mysterious man she's ever seen?

Friday, August 03, 2007

Dithering between Two Worlds

I don't often have problems making a decision, and usually stick with it, but I've considered and think it's time to move on to Heart Fate. I'll give it a month and a week, then back to Lladrana. By that time I should really feel solid on Heart Fate and might like a break.

So, later today I'll print out all I have of Heart Fate (6 chapters I think), then revise that. I KNOW I've got more scenes, but need to fill in some transitions, as usual, to work up to the next chronological group.

Thursday, August 02, 2007

Daily Author Stuff

Last night I went to a signing by Emma Bull and Will Shatterly (not local, just coming through), tonight is critique. I don't think I'm supposed to read, since I don't have it on any of my calendars, but I'm not sure.

Anyway, I really enjoyed Emma's book, Territory and will be waiting for the sequel. It's always interesting to listen to writers talk about writing, especially if they have a different take on it than you. Emma, like Connie Willis, thinks about an idea, researches, and lets the thing gather until it reaches critical mass and then she writes. Her story was tight and her prose lovely. I envied it quite a lot. It was a book she took ten years to write and I envied doing that, too, or at least a year.

Wednesday, August 01, 2007

Cover Concepts

These were my cover concepts for Keepers of the Flame. I STILL like the idea of the two in front of arches going a different direction.

The arch photo is my own and slightly out of focus (not originally meant to be). The twins I finished this morning because I may have to take the 2nd pic down because of copyright, so I made it smaller...